The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a novel written by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. The book was published in 2005, and it is the first book in the Millennium series. The novel is a crime thriller that follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate the disappearance of a young girl.

The novel begins with Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, being found guilty of libel against a powerful businessman, Wennerström. As a result of the trial, Blomkvist’s reputation is ruined, and he is forced to resign from his job. In the meantime, he is approached by Henrik Vanger, an elderly millionaire, who wants him to investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet.

Harriet disappeared from the Vanger family’s island home in the 1960s, and the case has remained unsolved for over 40 years. Henrik believes that one of his family members may have been responsible for Harriet’s disappearance, and he wants Blomkvist to investigate.

Blomkvist accepts the job and moves to the island to begin his investigation. He is given access to the family’s archives and begins to research the case. He soon discovers that the Vanger family is full of secrets, and everyone seems to have a motive for wanting Harriet dead.

Meanwhile, Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker, is hired by a security company to investigate Blomkvist. Salander is a troubled and enigmatic character who has a troubled past, and she is determined to keep her life private. As she investigates Blomkvist, she becomes intrigued by his work on the Vanger case and decides to help him.

Blomkvist and Salander team up to investigate Harriet’s disappearance. They soon discover that the Vanger family has a dark and twisted past, and that Harriet’s disappearance is just one small part of a much larger conspiracy. Together, they unravel the mystery and expose the killer.

The novel is a classic whodunnit crime thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Larsson’s writing style is gripping and fast-paced, and he does an excellent job of building suspense throughout the novel. The plot is intricate and well-developed, and the characters are complex and intriguing.

One of the things that sets The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo apart from other crime thrillers is the character of Lisbeth Salander. Salander is a fascinating and enigmatic character who has become a feminist icon in popular culture. She is a complex character who is both vulnerable and strong, and her backstory is both heartbreaking and empowering.

Another aspect of the novel that stands out is Larsson’s depiction of violence against women. The novel is set in Sweden, where violence against women is a significant problem. Larsson does not shy away from depicting the brutal and horrific violence that women face, and he does an excellent job of showing the impact that this violence has on the characters in the novel.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is an excellent crime thriller that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is intricate and well-developed, and the characters are complex and fascinating. The novel’s depiction of violence against women is both heartbreaking and powerful, and it serves as a stark reminder of the realities that women face every day. If you are a fan of crime thrillers, then The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is definitely worth checking out. You can buy a copy from Amazon here.